Abstract: Liquid or gel detergent compositions having improved physical stability comprise, by weight of the composition: (a) from about 3% to about 95% of anionic sulfate or sulfonate surfactant; (b) from about 3% to about 40% polyhydroxyfatty acid amide nonionic surfactant; (c) from about 0.1% to about 3% of calcium or strotium ions; (d) from 0.05% to 10% of malic or maleic acid at a molar ratio with calcium of from 0.01:1 to 10:1.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: Ethoxylated nonionic or AES surfactants are combined with N-alkoxy or N-aryloxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides to provide a waxy, solid material which is useful as a stick-form spot remover or as a convenient means for adding otherwise liquid nonionic surfactants to granular detergent compositions, detergent bars and the like. Thus, C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 alcohol ethoxylates or C.sub.12-18 ethoxy sulfates are combined with C.sub.12 fatty acid N-(3-methoxypropyl)glucamide to provide solid, waxy materials useful for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate and polyethylene glycol are applied to apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits. The compositions are characterized by their "non-soapy" feel and desirable viscosity profile which allows spray-on compositions to be formulated.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detergent composition comprising at least about 1% by weight, preferably at least about 3%, of a polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactant of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, or 2-hydroxy propyl, R.sup.2 is C.sub.7 -C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl, and Z is polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or alkoxylated derivatives thereof; and at least about 1%, by weight, preferably at least about 3%, of an alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.3 is C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl, R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 hydrocathyl, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation.

Abstract: Detergent compositions containing N-(1,2 propanediol) fatty acid amide surfactants of the general type RC(O)NR.sup.1 CH.sub.2 CHOHCH.sub.2 OH, especially where R.sup.1 is methyl or hydroxyethyl, are useful surfactants in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, shampoos, bar soaps, and hard surface cleaners. The amide surfactants provide good cleaning even in the absence of LAS surfactants.

Abstract: Low-sudsing detergent compositions comprise an N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactant, wherein the N-alkyl substituent is at least C.sub.2, preferably C.sub.3 -C.sub.8. Such compositions are useful under cleaning conditions where excessive sudsing may be problematic.

Abstract: Detergent compositions containing N-(1,2 propanediol) fatty acid amide surfactants of the general type RC(0)NR.sup.1 CH.sub.2 CHOHCH.sub.2 OH, especially where R.sup.1 is methyl or hydroxyethyl, are useful surfactants in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, shampoos, bar soaps, and hard surface cleaners. The amide surfactants provide good cleaning even in the absence of LAS surfactants.

Abstract: The synthesis of polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants exemplified by the compound C.sub.11 H.sub.23 C(O)N(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 [CHOH].sub.4 CH.sub.2 OH by reacting a fatty acid ester with an N-alkyl sugar amine can result in contamination of the product surfactant by residual sources of fatty acids. These residual fatty acids may be unacceptable in high sudsing detergent compositions, such as dishwashing liquids, especially with Ca or Mg cations. The process of this invention reacts such contaminants with alkyl amines or, especially, ethanolamine, to convert them into fatty alkyl- or alkanolamides, which are quite acceptable in fully-formulated detergent compositions for home or industrial use.

Abstract: Detergent compositions comprise oleoyl sarcosinate and polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants which, together, provide compositions with improved cleaning performance and good solubility. Thus, oleoyl sarcosinate is combined with C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 N-methyl glucamide and builders, enzymes and other detersive ingredients to provide a laundry detergent. Use of this mixture of surfactants in dishwashing detergents is also described.